"They can grab a cart, grab a clipboard, and essentially go shopping free of charge for whatever they need to support their program."— Eric Rutkowski
We welcome Eric Rutkowski, the program director for Leveling The Playing Field Ohio. Eric shares his inspiring mission to support youth sports across Ohio by ensuring that programs in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati can share equipment and resources.
We'll talk about the importance of community donations, the need for unrestricted funds, and the desire for an independent warehouse to better serve these youth programs.
Eric will also discuss how teams and schools can apply for equipment, emphasize the critical role of volunteers, and share the aspirations for expanding this impactful initiative statewide.
Get ready to explore how sports can provide invaluable life lessons and opportunities for kids and how you can get involved in leveling the playing field for youth sports across Ohio.
Top Takeaways
Eric Rutkowski works to ensure that youth sports programs in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are aware of each other and can share sports equipment to maximize resources across Ohio.
Donations ensure that all sports equipment can be provided free of charge, and more staffing and a dedicated van are needed for better service.
Teams and schools can apply for sports equipment through a streamlined process.
The organization accepts various sports equipment, including specialized items, to introduce kids to new sports and broaden their experiences.
Volunteers play a vital role in sorting, inventorying, and cleaning the warehouse.
Equipment collection drives are a primary method for gathering donations, often organized as service projects by young people, which is crucial for sustaining the inventory.
Support from organizations like Besa and The Columbus Foundation have been instrumental in expanding Leveling The Playing Field to Ohio.
Leveling the Playing Field is a national organization with significant reach, having assisted over 2,000 organizations and donated over $14 million worth of sports equipment.
Key Moments
00:00 Active in nonprofits, sports, and community engagement.
03:43 Max Levitt saw equipment waste, started donation program.
06:59 Columbus organizations address declining youth sports trends.
13:13 Donating sports equipment to benefit many players.
16:31 LPF relies on grassroots efforts for equipment.
20:43 Installed collection bins at sports facilities and stores.
24:13 Educators access free gear to support programs.
25:52 Kids and families set up collection boxes.
30:58 Leveling the playing field for Ohio communities.
34:22 Secure donations and community support for growth.
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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
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